Hydlo and Friends 2.0 - Tipi Talks

Collaboration, Listening, Humility, Transparency

Welcome to the Hydlo and Friends - Tipi Talks platform!

The modernization of the generating units at Robert-Bourassa (LG-2), La Grande-3, and La Grande-4 presents us with a unique opportunity to increase our energy capacity.

Ayimihiituunaanuwich, which means “dialogue” in Cree, is the name of the joint process established by Hydro‑Québec and the Cree Nation Government to assess the technical, environmental, social and cultural aspects of the potential capacity increases at La Grande. We are opening this space to foster transparent collaboration, where we provide information and your knowledge and concerns are heard.

Below you will find :

an interactive Map of Expected Changes
Factsheets on Expected Changes resulting fom the environmental studies
the Comment Wall to leave your questions, concerns and suggestions.

Welcome to the Hydlo and Friends - Tipi Talks platform!

Below you will find :

an interactive Map of Expected Changes
Factsheets on Expected Changes resulting fom the environmental studies
the Comment Wall to leave your questions, concerns and suggestions.

ᐋᔨᒥᐦᐄᑐᓈᓂᐎᒡ Joint Process and Environmental Evaluation

Hydro‑Québec and the Cree Nation established the Ayimihiituunaanuwich Joint Process to assess the technical, environmental, social and cultural aspects of the potential capacity upgrades to Robert‑Bourassa, La Grande‑3 and La Grande‑4 generating stations.
The Technical Table is tasked with developing and implementing the environmental assessment program. The goal of this program is to draw up a current portrait of the natural and social environment, as well as assess the scope and impacts of the potential capacity increases.
For more information download the Factsheet on the Joint Process and check out the Map of Expected Changes.
For a description ofPoursuivre la lecture
Hydro‑Québec and the Cree Nation established the Ayimihiituunaanuwich Joint Process to assess the technical, environmental, social and cultural aspects of the potential capacity upgrades to Robert‑Bourassa, La Grande‑3 and La Grande‑4 generating stations.
The Technical Table is tasked with developing and implementing the environmental assessment program. The goal of this program is to draw up a current portrait of the natural and social environment, as well as assess the scope and impacts of the potential capacity increases.
For more information download the Factsheet on the Joint Process and check out the Map of Expected Changes.
For a description of the various environmental studies and their location, see the environmental studies program and the map of the study area.
ᓰᐲ ᐋᐦ ᐱᒫᒎᐎᒡ ᑭᔮᐦ ᐋᔅᐱᑖᑎᒦᔨᒡ | River Flows and Water Levels
Managing water flows and reservoir levels is important to the Eeyou because these waterways support travel and a variety of harvesting and cultural activities.
Maintaining suitable water conditions on the reservoirs, downstream reaches and the Chisasibi (river), also known as the Grande Rivière, helps support continued access to these traditional land uses. To signify the importance, we evaluated the following components:
Water flow: How much water moves through a downstream river system.
Water level: How high the water is over time, associated with the energyPoursuivre la lecture
Managing water flows and reservoir levels is important to the Eeyou because these waterways support travel and a variety of harvesting and cultural activities.
Maintaining suitable water conditions on the reservoirs, downstream reaches and the Chisasibi (river), also known as the Grande Rivière, helps support continued access to these traditional land uses. To signify the importance, we evaluated the following components:
Water flow: How much water moves through a downstream river system.
Water level: How high the water is over time, associated with the energy in a reservoir (upstream).
How was Eeyou Knowledge Incorporated into the Study?
During environmental surveys and Ayimihiituunaanuwich meetings, Eeyou land users communicated their concerns and priorities regarding river management.
Results of Hydrological and Hydraulic Studies
Simulation studies (computer modelling (computer modeling tools that determine reservoir levels and downstream flows) were conducted to examine possible changes in water levels and flow that could result from the potential capacity upgrades. Although the modelling results indicate general trends, annual variability will continue to influence water levels and flows.
La Grande-4
The simulations show that the average water level of the reservoir is expected to be moderately lower (0.6 to 1.5 m or 2 to 5 feet) during the winter and spring period. These changes are not expected to alter snowmobile travel on the reservoir but they could change winter harvesting activities along the reservoir shoreline. They could also alter the survival of Lake Trout eggs along the reservoir shoreline. Navigation conditions may also change in June due to lower water levels.
In the downstream portion, water levels and flow could increase for ± 7 km below the La Grande-4 generating station. During periods when the most water is being released, water levels could rise by up to about 1 m (3 feet) near the station and water could flow faster (0.5 to 0.75 metres per second), especially in rapids, but these changes are not expected to affect fishing or navigation conditions.
La Grande-3
The simulations show that the average water level of the reservoir is expected to be slightly lower (0.1 to 0.5 m or 0.5 to 2 feet) in summer and fall, following the upgrade. Snowmobile trails, navigations routes and harvesting areas used by Eeyou on the reservoir are not expected to experience negative changes.
In the downstream portion, water levels and flow could slightly increase for ± 7 km downstream of the La Grande-3 generating station. These increases may change the ice cover, which could lead to changes in the presence of geese and ducks at spring waterfowl hunting sites.
Robert-Bourassa (La Grande-2) / La Grande-1
The simulations show that the average water level in Robert Bourassa (La Grande 2) reservoir is expected to be moderately higher (0.6 to 1.5 m or 2 to 5 feet) during winter. This situation is not expected to affect snowmobile trails, navigations routes or harvesting areas used by Eeyou on the reservoir.
In the upper part of the La Grande 1 reservoir, minor changes in water flow and water levels are expected to occur in a section extending ± 24 km downstream of the Robert-Bourassa (La Grande-2) generating station. These changes are expected to be too minor to affect fishing and navigation conditions.
For more information download the Factsheet on River Flows and Water Levels.
Water flow and level may be affected by climate change. For more information, refer to the Climate Change fact sheet.
ᒥᔅᑯᒦ ᐋ ᓈᓂᑑᒋᔅᒑᐄᒪᑭᓂᐎᒡ / Ice Cover

Ice is an important component of Eeyou land use, particularly for snowmobile travel and hunting.
From January to April 2025, Chisasibi community members joined the technical team to conduct ice and thermal regime field studies. Five Chisasibi Eeyou participated in the field program, assisting with the January field campaign, March aerial surveys, and additional aerial surveys and sampling activities in April.
In early April 2025, a workshop was done to gather Eeyou knowledge on ice. The discussions at the workshop brought valuable insight on winter and spring ice conditions and the riverPoursuivre la lecture
Ice is an important component of Eeyou land use, particularly for snowmobile travel and hunting.
From January to April 2025, Chisasibi community members joined the technical team to conduct ice and thermal regime field studies. Five Chisasibi Eeyou participated in the field program, assisting with the January field campaign, March aerial surveys, and additional aerial surveys and sampling activities in April.
In early April 2025, a workshop was done to gather Eeyou knowledge on ice. The discussions at the workshop brought valuable insight on winter and spring ice conditions and the river crossings used by caribou during the winter, contributing to a better understanding of seasonal wildlife movements and land use. In January, March and April 2026, Chisasibi Eeyou joined the ice study campaign, conducting multiple flyovers covering samplings from La Grande-1 to La Grande-4.
Results of Environmental Surveys
Considering the conditions described below, no significant changes to ice formation are expected as a result of the potential capacity upgrades, and ice cover is expected to remain safe for travel. Overall ice thickness is expected to remain similar to current conditions. However, ice may become thinner in a few areas near water intake structures, where water moves faster, and near the upper area of reservoirs. During late spring, ice is expected to thin and weaken as it normally does. No changes are expected in the way ice breaks or deteriorates.
La Grande-4 and La Grande-3
Upstream of the La Grande 4 and La Grande 3 reservoirs, water levels could be lower than under current winter conditions, declining more rapidly until late February and then more gradually through March and April. The ice edge could be slightly farther from shore, exposing some rocks and small islands.
Downstream of La Grande-4 and La Grande-3, water flow could increase in certain locations, resulting in higher water speed, especially in January when power demand peaks. In these unsafe areas, existing open water and thin ice could extend over a larger area and persist for longer periods.
Robert-Bourassa (La Grande-2) / La Grande-1
At Robert-Bourassa (La Grande-2), water levels could decrease more slowly during January and February, resulting in slightly higher water levels by the end of February compared to current conditions. During this time, the ice edge could be closer to shore. Water levels could then decrease more quickly in March and April.
Ice conditions are not expected to change significantly as a result of the capacity upgrades in the La Grande 1 reservoir, on the Chisasibi (river), also known as the Grande Rivière, and its estuary.
Download the Factsheet on Ice Cover.
Change to ice cover are expected as a result of climate change. For more information, refer to the Climate Change fact sheet.
ᐄᔑᔥᑲᐧᐱᔨᐤ ᓰᐲ ᐋᓯᒌᔅᒡ ᑳ ᒥᔪᐱᒥᔮᔨᒡ Erosion and shoreline stability

Navigation safety and shoreline stability are important for land users, as they directly affect travel and the use of La Grande Rivière. Bank, shore and channel conditions can be affected by changes in water levels and flow.
To better understand the current situation and possible impacts, a survey was carried out in summer 2025 with Eeyou land users. Observations were made on selected segments downstream of La Grande-1, Robert-Bourassa (La Grande-2), La Grande-3 and La Grande-4 generating stations, extending to the river mouth. Simulation studies were also conducted to examine possible changes in water levels and flow that could resultPoursuivre la lecture
Navigation safety and shoreline stability are important for land users, as they directly affect travel and the use of La Grande Rivière. Bank, shore and channel conditions can be affected by changes in water levels and flow.
To better understand the current situation and possible impacts, a survey was carried out in summer 2025 with Eeyou land users. Observations were made on selected segments downstream of La Grande-1, Robert-Bourassa (La Grande-2), La Grande-3 and La Grande-4 generating stations, extending to the river mouth. Simulation studies were also conducted to examine possible changes in water levels and flow that could result from the potential La Grande capacity upgrades. All observations and data collected are currently being analyzed to identify and assess impacts on riverbanks, shorelines and delta dynamics.
Eeyou participation played a key role in the 2025 field studies on erosion along the Chisasibi (river), also known as the Grande Rivière. Eeyou land users joined the research team to share knowledge and observations. They provided insights on riverbank changes downstream of La Grande-3 during a flyover, contributed photos and details about a major 2003 landslide in the La Grande 1 reservoir area, and helped survey the estuary and a comparison area on the south bank.
Since the La Grande development, their observations highlighted increased erosion, loss of traditional use areas and risks to culturally significant sites, despite some shoreline protection efforts. For the Eeyou, the Chisasibi (river) was traditionally and is still a major travel route and a cultural landmark. Erosion currently occurring due to the operation of the La Grande complex not only alters the landscape but also creates navigation hazards and threatens important community, cultural and heritage sites.
Find out more in the Fact Sheet.
ᑖᓂᑖᐦ ᐋ ᑎᐹᒦᑖᒡ ᐊᓂᒌ ᐋᐙᓰᓯᒡ ᐊᑎᐦᒄ, ᒨᔅ ,ᐊᒥᔅᒄ Wildlife: Caribou, Moose and Beaver

Caribou, Moose and Beaver: These animals are important to the Eeyou and are present within the study area. Traditional
knowledge provided by community members helped establish an overview of areas considered important for these species near the capacity upgrades.
To provide context, an analysis of numerous previous study reports (from the 1970s to present) was carried out to describe how environmental and wildlife conditions have changed over time in relation to hydrology and other natural and human influences, such as wildfires and recreational hunting. Combined with information shared by Cree land users, this work offers an overall picture of howPoursuivre la lecture
Caribou, Moose and Beaver: These animals are important to the Eeyou and are present within the study area. Traditional
knowledge provided by community members helped establish an overview of areas considered important for these species near the capacity upgrades.
To provide context, an analysis of numerous previous study reports (from the 1970s to present) was carried out to describe how environmental and wildlife conditions have changed over time in relation to hydrology and other natural and human influences, such as wildfires and recreational hunting. Combined with information shared by Cree land users, this work offers an overall picture of how caribou, moose and beaver use the territory between the La Grande estuary and La Grande 4 reservoir.

Find out more in the Factsheet on Wildlife.
Latest episode of Hydlo and Friends 2.0

Hydlo & Friends 2.0
Watch the latest episode and join the conversation!
As part of the ongoing conversations featured on Tipi Talks, Hydlo & Friends 2.0 is a radio show that provides Eeyou Istchee community members and land users with accessible and up-to-date information on Hydro-Québec-related topics concerningPoursuivre la lecture
Hydlo & Friends 2.0
Watch the latest episode and join the conversation!
As part of the ongoing conversations featured on Tipi Talks, Hydlo & Friends 2.0 is a radio show that provides Eeyou Istchee community members and land users with accessible and up-to-date information on Hydro-Québec-related topics concerning their territory. The program explores Hydro-Québec activities ans initiatives, reservoir and water level updates, and other topics of interest.
Through open discussions, interviews, and roundtable conversations, Hydlo & Friends 2.0 creates a space where community voices can be heard, questions can be addressed, and important information can be shared. Guests include community representatives and members, specialists, and individuals involved in Hydro-Québec-related projects and initiatives. The program encourages meaningful dialogue and helps strengthen communication.
If you have questions, concerns, or topics you would like to see discussed in a future episode, we invite you to contact us through Tipi Talks. Your feedback and ideas help shape the conversations that matter most to our communities.